A Jonesboro, Arkansas school director has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and nine years of probation for her role in what prosecutors described as a makeshift child fight club at a center serving children with developmental disabilities.
Mary Tracy Morrison, 51, owner and director of The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain and the Engage program, pleaded guilty Monday in Craighead County Circuit Court to one count of permitting child abuse and four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.
The sentence also includes 120 days of house arrest with electronic monitoring after her release from the Craighead County Detention Center, a permanent ban from working with children in any professional capacity, surrender of her occupational therapy and related licenses, a mental health assessment with all recommended treatment, and no contact with the victim.
The case dates to April 17, 2025, when the mother of a 13-year-old autistic student reported mental and physical abuse to the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators obtained video and audio evidence through a search warrant showing Morrison directing the boy to sit on the floor while surrounded by about 18 other juvenile students.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Morrison instructed the students to put their hands on the victim, hit him with an unknown object, and verbally berated him while another student kicked and choked the boy. Video captured Morrison giving a high five to a participating student and then ordering the victim to apologize to the group and never speak of the incident again. The episode lasted roughly 30 minutes and included additional directed physical abuse. Three other school employees were arrested in connection with the case.
Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood called Morrison the “ringleader” of the organized fights. Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Thomason said the plea agreement protects victims from having to testify while imposing meaningful restrictions to safeguard the community. Morrison’s attorney, Paul Ford, disputed the “fight club” label, saying it misrepresented her long record of helping children with social, emotional and developmental challenges through guided experiential learning.
The allegations rocked Northeast Arkansas families who relied on the private program for specialized education and support. The case has prompted broader questions about oversight and safety standards at facilities serving vulnerable students.
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